Warpaint - Warpaint

Warpaint stood out right from the get-go back in 2009 with their intriguingly-titled, John Frusciante-produced EP Exquisite Corpse. Their eponymous follow-up to their rapturously received debut album The Fool and breakthrough single ‘Undertow’ further raises the game, with dreamy post-punk soundscapes co-produced by eminent U2 and PJ Harvey knob-twiddler Flood, and mixed by long-term Radiohead associate Nigel Godrich.

The astonishing lead single ‘Love is to Die’ is the most brilliantly addictive thing they’ve done since ‘Undertow’. Emily Kokal and Theresa Wayman’s voices blend beautifully on what is ostensibly a break-up song, but one that mysteriously hints at a happy ending. It’s like a female-sung take on ‘Love Will Tear Us Apart’ with a delicious twist.

‘Hi’ and ‘Biggy’ introduce an understated electronic sound to their palette. The most impressive thing about their eponymous second album, however, is how natural, organic and delightfully unforced it all feels. New drummer Stella Mozgawa contributes a fluid and free-flowing backbone, leaving the girls to add delicious sounds and shapes to the canvas.

Initially, Warpaint came cross as a little aloof and too cool for school. They’ve grown into a magnificent act. Is it far too early to talk about Album of the Year candidates? What the heck, I’ve done it. This is a truly great record.